(Newser)
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American automakers scored higher marks on quality than their foreign rivals for the first time since the JD Power survey began in 1986, the Detroit Free Press reports. A dozen Ford models ranked in the top three in their segments, making it the highest-ranked automaker overall. Ford's namesake brand ranked fifth, and General Motors had 10 brands in the top vehicle rankings.

Toyota, by contrast, fell from 6th last year to 21st. "We're disappointed, but probably not surprised," given the company's quality-control problems over the last year, said one Toyota exec. Even Chrysler, whose four brands all rated below average, made progress with several of its models. Dodge was the lowest-rated domestic brand, and Land Rover finished last overall, reports the Detroit News.

I have noticed this since the mid 90's. I stopped buying Mazda & Toyota's & purchase a Ford Ranger & a Mustang. I still own them, they have been very trouble free. In '05 I purchased a Pontiac GTO, it has never needed any repairs. I also want to stress that if you take good care of any new car these days, they can deliver 200,000 miles/20 yrs of service without too many repairs. Cars are much better made now

postroad

Jun 19, 2010 11:00 AM CDT

I judge quality of a car by how long I can drive it with how often I need to have things fixed. Most studies on cars seem to deal with 6 months of ownership of a new car. Example: till Toyota recent problems, it was considered a very long lasting car...So too the Honda. Thus if I buy a Ford, how long can I expect to drive it with but minor repairs? I am not bad mouthing the car but indicating what I consider important. I drive a Subaru. Have had it 15 years. Has 130 thousand miles on it. I bought year's end model at 16 thousand dollars. Very little repair work needed. Subarus tend (average) to hold up very well. I hope Am industry comes back. Their failure to hold up long is what drove many Americans to buy non-American cars.

Riffran

Jun 19, 2010 6:08 AM CDT

Chevy S-10 blazer 356,768 miles...replaced the engine at 100,000 (previous owner wasn't good on oil changes, tranny at 112,000 also for lack of maintenance)...still putting along